RESEARCH SCIENTIST- Cheminformatics
Company: Scripps Research
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 2, 2026
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Job Description:
ABOUT US: Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines was
founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be
accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with
state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities.
Calibr-Skaggs is a division of Scripps Research, a
first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute
dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Scripps
Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world
for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs
mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading-edge
scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps
Research, impacting translational sciences, Calibr-Skaggs has
created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new
paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact
patients while reinvesting in further innovative research. We
expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental
advancements to develop profound innovations that improve
wellbeing. Calibr-Skaggs’ drug development portfolio spans a broad
range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and
inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases,
infectious and neglected tropical diseases, as well as age-related
and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a
difference, this could be your opportunity to join our
transformative team. POSITION TITLE : RESEARCH SCIENTIST-
Cheminformatics POSITION SUMMARY : The Computational Chemistry team
is seeking a Cheminformatician who will be responsible for
developing and applying advanced computational methods across the
drug discovery pipeline. This role involves a significant focus on
machine learning techniques to analyze and interpret complex
chemical data. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Data Analysis and
Modeling : Build, test, and optimize machine learning models for
the analysis of large chemical datasets. Develop QSAR/ML models for
predicting bioactivity, pharmacokinetic, and ADMET (Absorption,
Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) profiles;
large-language models (LLMs) for querying drug information across
mechanism of action, target, disease indication, patent
information, and screening data; and generative AI models for drug
design and lead optimization. Algorithm Development : Design and
develop algorithms and tools for chemical structure representation,
searching, and clustering for SAR analysis and identification of
novel chemical space for drug and library design as part of the
medicinal chemistry team. Collaboration : Work closely with
interdisciplinary teams including medicinal chemists, biologists,
and computational scientists to readily apply and integrate
cheminformatics tools into drug discovery programs. Data Management
: Manage chemical databases, ensuring data integrity, quality, and
accessibility. Develop tools for data mining and visualization.
Details of established essential functions for this position will
be addressed/discussed during the interview process. REQUIREMENTS:
BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Computational
Chemistry, Bioinformatics, or a related field Minimum of 1 year of
research experience Background in machine learning, data science,
and statistical analysis Strong proficiency in Python (additional
SQL and/or JavaScript experience preferred) and its data analysis
libraries (e.g. Pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn) Experience with
cheminformatics toolkits and software (e.g. RDKit, Schrodinger
Maestro, PyMOL) preferred Organic chemistry and/or biochemistry
coursework experience preferred. Excellent oral and written
communication skills Ability to work independently and as part of a
team. â??PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: May include: Stationary position
for an extended period of time, traverse campus/facility as needed,
operate machinery such as computer, phone, copy machine; exposure
to cold or hot temperatures. Further details of the physical
requirements of established essential functions for this position
will be addressed/discussed during the interview process. LOCATION:
La Jolla, California COMPENSATION : The expected hiring range for
this position is $80,000 to $90,000 per year, commensurate with
experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds
the listed requirements. COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE: Employer
Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees
receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee
contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b)
using your own pre or post-tax dollars. Full suite of Health and
Welfare plans including four medical plan options (including an HSA
available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP
and more. Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent
Care). Competitive vacation and sick leave policies. Free, on-site
parking. The above statements describe the level of work performed
and expected in general terms.â?¯ The statements are not intended
to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of
employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to
change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or
without notice.�� Furthermore, nothing in this job description
shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or
modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research
staff.â?¯ EEO Statement: The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal
Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and
background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are
encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran
status, or any other legally protected characteristic or
status.
Keywords: Scripps Research, Lakewood , RESEARCH SCIENTIST- Cheminformatics, Science, Research & Development , San Diego, California
